Card readout system

ABSTRACT

A system employing encoded cards and a card readout machine wherein the cards incorporate both embossments and electrically conductive means which cooperate with said machine to read out information encoded on individual cards. The readout machine which is employed in the system may be adapted for either &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;on line&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; usage with a computer or perform &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;off line&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; functions. In the latter arrangement the readout machine incorporates means to punch a memorized code thereinto, means to read encoding embossments on a card and means including electrical circuitry to determine for card verification purposes whether or not embossment encoding on the card complements the combination punched into the machine. The off line machine further includes means cooperating with electrically conductive encoding means on the card to determine whether or not the card is counterfeit. The on line machine incorporates means for reading a card encoded with both embossments and printed circuitry and for feeding the encoded information to an electronic data processing (EDP) center. In addition, the on line machine may be utilized to feed to the EDP center information relating to such matters as the location of the machine, the amount of money being charged and/or information regarding the source of the card being utilized in combination with the machine.

United States Patent 1451 May 23,1972

Oberhart Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser.No. 855,868, Aug. 4,

1969, Pat. No. 3,600,012.

52 U.S. c1. ..23s/61.7 1;, 340/149 A [51] 1111.0 .0051) 1/08, 606k 7/0458 Field 61 Search ..235/61.7 B, 61.7, 61.12, 61.1 14, 235/6111; 340/149A, 172.5; 194/4; 179/2 CA, 6.3

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 5/1963 Zenner ..235/6l.1l R5/1965 Brown et al. ..340/l49 A 5/1969 Bjorn ..235/61.ll E

Primary ExaminerThomas A. Robinson Assistant Examiner'l'homas J. SloyanAttorney-Naylor 81. Neal CARD mus/1071011 J INPUT ANTI- COUNTERFEITvEEODE/Z VALIDATION A 5 B COMPARITOK m 1/ [57] ABSTRACT A systememploying encoded cards and a card readout machine wherein the cardsincorporate both embossments and electrically conductive means whichcooperate with said machine to read out information encoded onindividual cards. The readout machine which is employed in the systemmay be adapted for either on line" usage with a computer or perform offline functions. In the latter arrangement the readout machineincorporates means to punch a memorized code thereinto, means to readencoding embossments on a card and means including electrical circuitryto determine for card verification purposes whether or not embossmentencoding on the card complements the combination punched into themachine. The off line machine further includes means cooperating withelectrically conductive encoding means on the card to determine whetheror not the card is counterfeit. The on line machine incorporates meansfor reading a card encoded with both embossments and printed circuitryand for feeding the encoded information to an electronic data 2 Clairm,15 Drawing Figures ME MORY DATA RECORDER INDIEAMR 27 REMOTE DA TAPROCE$50R Patented May 23, 1972 3,665,161

6 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

650K615 5. OBEAl-MU f 3 ATTOKNE V5 1 1i -5- BY Patented May 23, 19723,665,161

.6 Sheets-Sheet 5 fi +v 18 w 10 E ZW' KH 7 i 6 1 92b} 926 1 5% O O 4 ezJI 75 1 I [El- 1 1 VALIDATION RELAY o STEP SWITCH INVENTOR GEUKGZ s.mam/er I" -12- BY W M ATTOk/VEYS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The presentinvention relates to a system for reading out information encoded oncards, and more particularly, credit cards. In its more specificaspects, the invention is concerned with a system wherein informationencoded on a card by means of embossments and electrically conductivemeans is read out by a machine for purposes of card verification and/ordata processing. 1

In the prior art, electrically and magnetically encoded cards for use inverification and related systems are known. Electrically encoded cardshave been suggested primarily for use with electrical locks where thecard functions as a key. U.S. Pat. No. 3,134,254 suggests such anarrangement wherein the key is either encoded with a resistance orcapacitance component. In this patent, the key is verified through anoscillator circuit which is tuned for acceptance of only a properlyencoded card. While the circuit is capable of adjustment to accommodatedifferent keys, this adjustment may not be accomplished in a ready andselective manner so that the same verifying mechanism might be employedfor the ready verification of differently encoded keys. Thus, thecircuit is not well suited for credit card verification purposes.

Magnetically encoded cards have been suggested primarily for use inidentification systems wherein it is desired to repeatedly change theencoding of the cards. These systems require relatively complex readoutand recording means and typically rely upon the employment of some typeof master recording for comparison purposes. The magnetic character ofthe encoded cards renders them susceptible to inadvertent change and thereadout and recording systems are, inherently, relatively complex. Bothof these characteristics, together with the requirement for some type ofmaster recording for comparison purposes, render systems of this typeill-suited for mass credit card verification.

In addition to the electrical and magnetic verification systems of thetype described above, the prior art also suggests electromechanicalreadout systems for use with embossed or perforated credit cards. Thesesystems have been suggested for employment in large credit cardoperations to determine whether a particular card has been invalidated.They rely on a relatively complex system of electrical comparison andare not well-suited for verifying the identity of the card user. Suchprior art systems do not have sufficient flexibility nor are theyinexpensive enough to permit their use by smaller organizations. Inaddition, the credit operations of separate companies vary widelydepending upon individual requirements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION formation at the transaction site forverification purposes.

These and additional objects have been attained in the present inventionby providing a system employing encoded cards and a card readout machinewherein the cards incorporate both encoding embossments and encodingelectrically conductive means which cooperate with a suitable mechanismin said machine to permit the reading out of the encoded information.According to one embodiment of the machine the encoded information maybe compared with memorized information provided by the card holder toverify the authority of the holder. In addition, encoded information onthe card may be utilized to determine whether it is of counterfeitconstruction. In an alternative approach the readout machine may beutilized to feed selected encoded infonnation obtained from the card toa data processing facility along with infonnation relating to the sourceand amount of the transaction and the source of the card.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above-noted and other objects of thisinvention will be understood from the following description taken withreference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a credit card utilized in thepresent system as well as details of a portion of a card readoutmachine.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic illustration showing use of the credit cardaccording to the present invention in an off line system.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic illustration showing the use of the credit cardaccording to the present invention on line with a centralized computersystem.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a card readout machine adaptedfor use ofi line.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a card readout machine adaptedfor on line use with a centralized computer system.

FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating details of a credit card inaccordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 77 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 8-8 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 9-9 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic plan view illustrating the circuitry employedin the off line card readout machine.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are diagrammatic plan views illustrating the operationof a portion of the circuitry of FIG. 10 in combination with a creditcard according to the present invention employing different encodingembossments.

FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 are diagrammatic plan views illustrating circuitryemployed in an on line card readout machine.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT Referring now to FIG. 1 of thedrawings, a card 10 constructed in accordance with the teachings of thepresent invention is illustrated just prior to its insertion into thecard receiving portion 11 of a readout machine 12 which is onlypartially illustrated. As stated above, the card according to thepresent invention may be utilized with the readout machine adapted foreither off line or on line use. Regardless of the adaptation of themachine utilized with the card, the card receiving portion thereof maybe identical. In FIG. 1, card receiving portion 11 is illustrated ascomprising a recessed area formed in readout machine 12 which hassubstantially the same dimensions as card 10. The card receiving portion11 has a substantially flat bottom surface 13 upon which the card 10 isadapted to firmly rest. It should be noted that a plurality ofembossment detection pins 14 extend upwardly from fiat surface 13. Theconstruction and operation of these pins will be brought out in greaterdetail below. In addition to embossment detection pins 14, electricalcontacts 15 and 16 extend upwardly from surface 13. The construction andoperation of these electrical contacts will also be brought out indetail below.

Card 10 may be utilized in either on line or off line capacity.Referring now to FIG. 2 of the drawings, use of the card 10 isillustrated in conjunction with a readout machine adapted for off lineusage. Quite briefly, such a machine incorporates a decoder mechanism 17which is adapted to read out information encoded on card 10 by means ofembossments 18 which are formed on the card (see FIG. 1 The decodedinformation is then transmitted to a comparator 19 which also receivesinformation from a manual input mechanism 20. As will be seen below, theinformation obtained from this manual input mechanism consists of a codewhich is memorized by the card holder for validation purposes. Thisinformation is compared by comparator 19 with the read out code fromdecoder 17. Based upon this comparison a signal is sent from comparator19 to validation indicator 21 whereupon an appropriate signal isindicated by means of one or more lights 22 incorporated on validationindicator 21. An anticounterfeit mechanism is operatively associatedwith the decoder device 17 in a manner which will be described ingreater detail below. I

In FIG. 3 card is illustrated as being used in conjunction with areadout machine having an on line capability. As with the ofi linemachine, an anticounterfeit mechanism is employed in the on line machinecircuitry. The on line machine also employs a decoder 17 which isadapted to read out encoded information on card 10. This information isconveyed to transmit mechanism 23 which also receives transactioninformation from transaction input mechanism 24. As will be described ingreater detail below, transaction input mechanism 24 is adapted toconvey to transmit mechanism 23 such information as the amount of thecash transaction and the identity of the merchant. The read out encodedinformation from card 10 is transmitted by transmit mechanism 23 to acomparator device 25 which comprises an operating function of a remotedata processing center. Comparator device 25 is tied into a computermemory bank 26 and the information from card 10 is checked withinformation stored in the memory bank to determine the status of thecard. The result of this status check is immediately conveyed back fromthe remote data processor to a validation indicator 27 located at theside of the transaction. Such information is also fed by the comparatorto a data recorder 28 which stores the card information for later use.Simultaneously with the transmission of the encoded card informationfurther information relating to the merchant identification andtransaction amount is conveyed directly from transmit mechanism 23 todata recorder 28 for subsequent billing action.

A readout machine adapted for off line capability as diagrammaticallyillustrated in FIG. 2 is shown in detail in FIG. 4. The machine which isgenerally indicated by means of reference numeral 30 comprises a housing31 within which the validation circuitry is confined. A card 10 isillustrated as being disposed in the card receiving portion of themachine which was described in greater detail in FIG. 1. A press plate32 which may be of any desired construction is disposed over the cardreceiving portion of the machine. Press plate 32 is adapted to bemanually pressed downwardly from the raised position illustrated so thatit contacts the upper surface of card 10 to place it into readoutposition. The precise construction of the press plate mechanism forms nopart of the present invention so it has not been described in detail. Inlieu of the press plate or similar mechanism the card 10 may, ifdesired, merely be directly, manually held by the operator into thereadout position which will be described below. Disposed adjacent thecard receiving portion of the machine are a plurality of push buttons 34which as will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription provide for the selective adjustment of a circuitry withinthe machine 30. Numerical and/or alphabetical indicia associated withthe push buttons provide for the adjustment of the circuitry inaccordance with a predetermined code memorized by the operator. Thisfeature will also be described in greater detail below. Disposed at theback of machine 30 is an on-off pilot light 36 as well as a credit limitlight 37, a validation signaling light 38 and a fraud signaling light39. The operation of these lights as well as the operation of selectorswitch 40 also disposed at the back of the machine 30 will become moreapparent from the following detailed description of the circuitry. Ifdesired, a shield 41 may be disposed between the various lights andswitches disposed at the back of the machine and the front of themachine to prevent the credit card holder from observing theiroperation.

A readout machine adapted for on line use is illustrated in FIG. 5 anddesignated generally by means of reference numeral 42. The on linemachine includes a housing 31a within which the machine circuitry isconfined. On line machine 42 further includes a card receiving portionin which card 10 is illustrated as being positioned. A press plate 32amay be employed to urge card 10 in a downwardly direction so that it isfirmly positioned. In addition to the card receiving portion, on linemachine 42 includes a plurality of cash keys 43, a transaction displaywindow 44 and a tape exit slot 45. In addition, on line machine 42includes a transmission indicator light 46, a verification indicatorlight 47, a reject indicator light 48 and a credit limit indicator light49. The function of these various lights will be brought out in greaterdetail below. An on-off push button may also be provided on the on linemachine panel as indicated by reference numeral 50.

In FIG. 6, the credit card 10 suitable for use with either theabove-described on line or off line machines is illustrated. The card 10preferably has printed on the surface thereof the name of the cardholder as well as the account identification number. Disposed above theaccount identification number is an encoding area 60 in which aplurality of embossments 62 are formed in the card. In the illustratedembodiment there are four potential embossment positions located in lineabove each of the numerals of the account identification number. Using afour-bit binary code, the position and numbers of the embossments aredetermined. In the event the account identification utilizes analpha-numeric system an additional row of potential embossment positionsmay be established to provide an accommodation for a five-bit binarycode. For purposes of illustration in this application, however, it willbe assumed that a numeric identification system is utilized and that afour-bit binary code is employed.

In addition to the embossment encoding area 60, card 10 includes asecond encoding area in which second encoding means is positioned. Thesecond encoding means comprises a strip 64 of electrically conductivematerial which is disposed on the underside of card 10. Preferably strip64 comprises a metal material which is stamped onto the surface of acard. Alternatively, however, the strip 64 may comprise printed circuitwire formed on the card.

The manner in which card 10 and the encoding means thereof operates inconjunction with the readout machines will now be described in detail.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the internal construction of a machineaccording to the teachings of the present invention is shown in detailin that segment of the machine which is disposed immediately below thecard receiving portion thereof. A credit card 10 is illustrated as beingfirmly in contact with flat surface 13 of the card receiving portion ofthe machine. The card, as previously stated, cooperates with a series ofembossment detection pins 14 of the machine to read out the embossmentencoded information. As shown in FIG. 1, there are four such pins foreach numeral in the account identification number. The pins are placedin the machine to register with each of the four potential embossmentareas disposed above each credit card numeral. Referring once again toFIG. 7, the four pins associated with only one such number areillustrated. Each of the pins comprises a shaft 68 and an enlarged headportion 69 which is conically shaped at the upper end thereof to conformto the internal surface of an embossment 62 formed on card 10. The pinsare constructed of an electrically conductive material and are biased inan upwardly direction by means of springs 70. The pins pass throughapertures formed in a nonconducting support plate 71 upon which aprinted circuit 74 is formed. Springs 70 assist in making an electricalcontact between each of the pins 14 and its associated contact of theprinted circuit. A second printed circuit support board is providedbelow the pins with the contacts of the circuit 76 being in line withthe pin shafts. It may readily be seen that when a pin 14 is urged intocontact with its portion of printed circuit 76, an electrical connectionis established between the respective pin associated contacts of printedcircuit 74 and printed circuit 76. FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate,respectively, selected portions of printed circuits 74 and 76. Thesprings 70 (FIG. 7) in addition to assisting in establishing electricalcontact between the pins 14 and printed circuit 74 normally bias thepins in an upward direction so that they are out of contact with printedcircuit 76. However, as soon as credit card is positioned on flatsupport surface 13 the pins which are not in registry with embossmentsformed on the card are pushed in a downward direction into contact withprinted circuit 76. The general arrangement shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 iscommon to both the on line and the off line machines. The specificprinted circuitry utilized in these machines, however, differs and theread out information is utilized in a different manner. In each case,however, the arrangement disclosed in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 is adapted toperform a suitable switching operation in the machine circuitry.

Turning now to FIG. 10, the circuitry utilized in the off line machineis illustrated in schematic fashion. Before describing the circuitry inFIG. 10 in detail, the general principles regarding usage of the offline machine should be considered. Before a customer may utilize a cardin his possession to carry out a transaction the card will be checked todetermine whether or not the holder is authorized to use it. To do this,the card is inserted into the off line machine so that encodedinformation on the card may be read out. This information is compared bythe machine with a memorized code that the card holder feeds into themachine by means of a keyboard on the machine. Assuming the card andcode match, a series circuit is established in the machine and a lamp islit to indicate card verification. In the circuit illustrated in FIG. 10one push button 34 of the machine keyboard is illustrated. It is, ofcourse, to be understood that the operation of the other keys in themachine keyboard is identical. In like manner, only one group of fourembossment encoding detection pins is illustrated in the circuit. It is,of course, to be understood that there is one group of four pins foreach digit of memorized number. In describing the operation of thecircuit it will be assumed that four memorized digits must be comparedby the machine before validation signaling light 38 is lit.

I The off line machine circuit includes input power lines 78 and 80operatively connected to a power source 82 which is preferably a sourceof low voltage direct current. Parallel connected to input power line 80are a plurality of relay coils R-l, R-2, R-3 and R-4 which are lineconnected to four separate contacts of a step switch 84. The movablecontact 86 of the step switch 84 is connected to input power line 78through line 88. It may thus be seen that a series circuit is completedthrough relay coil R-1 when the movable contact 86 contacts the terminalof line 87 associated with that relay coil. Movement of the movablecontact on 86 is controlled by means ofa stepping switch coil 90 whensaid stepping switch coil is actuated. Clockwise movement of the movablecontact 86 sequentially energizes coils R-l, R2, R 3 and R-4 in anobvious manner. Each one of the relay coils is operatively associatedwith one group of four pins 14. In the circuit as illustrated, relaycoil R-l -is adapted when energized to close normally open contactsR-l-l, R-1-2, R-l-3 and R-l-4 which are associated with pins 14. In likemanner, relay coils R-2, R-3 and R4 are adapted when energized to closesimilar contacts related to other pin groupings (not shown) utilized inthe off line machine. The push button 34 of FIG. 10 is illustrated ingeneral layout form only and the detailed construction of each pushbutton 34 employed in the off line machine will be better understoodwith reference to a detailed discussion presented below. At thisjuncture, however, it is sufficient for proper understanding of the FIG.10 circuitry to know that the push button is operatively associated witha push rod to which a series of contact plates 92 are attached. As willbe described in detail below, the position and number of such contactplates employed with respect to each push button are determined in sucha manner as to cooperate with the pins 14 to complete a circuit throughthe pins and contact plates when the digit of the memorized code towhich push button 34 relates corresponds to the encoded information readout from the card 10 by means of pins 14. When a series circuit iscompleted through contact plates 92 and pins 14 a relay coil R-S will bedisposed in the same series circuit. Energization of relay coil R-5serves to close normally open latching contact 94 which is disposed inparallel with relay coil R-5 and also to close normally open contactR-5-2 which is positioned in series with validation signaling light 38.

It should be noted that the innermost contact plate 92 associated withpush button 34 completes a circuit through stepping switch coil when thepush button is depressed. As previously stated, energization of switchcoil 90 advances movable contact 86 of step switch 84 one position,i.e., into contact with the terminus of line 87. Relay coil R-l istherefore energized and normally open contacts R-l-l, R-l-2, R-l-3 andRl-4 are closed thus permitting completion of the series circuit throughpins 14 and contact plates 92 of the push button 34.

As push button 34 is released, the series circuit established throughthe contact plates and pins 14 is broken. However, relay coil R-Sremains energized since a series circuit has been established uponclosing of latching contact R-5-l through line 96 the relay coil R-Slatching contact R-S-l and a normally closed switch 98 associated withreset button 100. Contact R-5-2 thus remains closed as long as thisseries circuit is completed. Depression of reset button 100, however,pushes switch 98 in a downwardly direction breaking the circuit anddeenergizing relay coil R-S. Further depression of reset button 100causes upper contact plate 102 to contact terminals 101 operativelyassociated with step switch 84. Such contact causes movable contact arm86 to resume the position illustrated thus deenergizing relay coil R-1and opening contacts R-l-l through R-l-4.

Assuming, however, that reset button has not been depressed and contactR-5-2 remains closed, it may be seen that three additional contactsdisposed in series with validation signalling light 38, i.e., contactsR-6-2, R-7-2 and R-8-2, must be closed before the light 38 may beenergized. These latter three contacts are operatively associated withthree different push buttons 34 (not shown) which are tied into thecircuit of FIG. 10 in the same manner as the illustrated push button 34.Upon depression of the push button (not shown) operatively associatedwith contact R-6-2, for example, the movable contact 86 of step switch84 moves to the second position wherein a series circuit will becompleted through coil R-Z. If the digit represented by the second pushbutton 34 corresponds to the encoded information read out by the secondgroup of pins 14 the contact R-6-2 will be closed. Assuming that thelast two memorized digits are also the correct ones,contacts R-7-2 andR-8-2 will also be closed in like manner.

Even assuming all four of the contacts associated with light 38 areclosed, a circuit will not yet be completed through that light. For sucha circuit to be closed the company identification selector switch 40must be set at the correct position and the machine must sense that thecard being used is not a counterfeit one. To encode card 10 for companyidentification the length of strip of electrically conductive material64 on the card is varied so that a strip of a given length representsone company, a strip of another length another company and so on. Switch40 must be positioned to correspond with the en coded companyidentification as represented by the length of the strip beforevalidation signaling light 38 will be lit. In FIG. 10 switch 40 isillustrated schematically as being set to the correct position with aseries circuit being established through switch 40, companyidentification contact 104, which is positioned on the machine, strip 64and company identification contact 106. Tracing the circuit furthercurrent then flows through contacts R-5-2, R-6-2, R-7-2, R-8-2 andthence through validation signaling light 38. In the absence of a stripof electrically conductive material on the card as in the case of acounterfeit card, no such validating circuit will be established. Inlike manner, incorrect setting of company identification selector switch40 will leave an open circuit.

The off line machine also has a credit rating capability and thecircuitry for performing this function is shown at the bottom of FIG.10. The illustrated circuit employs three credit limit lamps 106, 108and 110 all of which are connected at one terminal thereof to powerinput line 80. These lamps may, if desired, be of a different color andeach lamp is adapted to display to the operator of the machineembossment encoded information on the credit card relating to creditlimitations imposed on the card holder. More or less than three creditlevels may, of course, be built into the off line machine's capability.The credit rating circuitry may be best understood by way ofillustration. Once again, the principle of establishing a series circuitthrough one or more push button contact plates and one or more pins 14is utilized. It will be assumed for illustration purposes that thecredit card inserted in the machine contains encoded embossedinformation setting forth a low, say $200.00, limitation on the maximumamount of purchase. It will be assumed that when this encodedinformation is read out by the pins only the middle pin 14 is depressedin the manner shown into engagement with contact 120 since it is theonly pin not received within an embossment. Lamp 110 when lit signals a$200.00 limitation. Push button 116 is associated with this lamp. Inpractice the machine operator will selectively depress each of the pushbuttons 112, 114 and 116 until one of the lamps is lit to indicate thecredit status of the card holder. Upon depression of credit push button116 a series circuit is established through lamp 110 thereby lightingit. The series circuit may be traced as follows: current flows frominput power line 80 through the lamp 110 and thence through contactplate 122 associated with push button 116. Current then continuesthrough line 123 to contact 120. Since middle pin 14 is in engagementwith contact 120 current flow continues through the pin through lines124, 125, 126, 127 and 128 to contact 129. Completing the circuitcurrent flows through contact plate 130 of credit push button 116 topower input line 78. It will be readily understood that push buttons 112and 114 and their associated lamps 106 and 108, respectively, operate ina similar fashion when the correct pins 14 indicating these differentcredit levels are depressed.

Returning once again to the validation segment of the off line machinecircuitry, FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate in greater detail the cooperationbetween the machine push buttons and the associated pin groupings. Itmay be assumed that the same card is shown in both drawings. However,two separate groupings of embossment detection pins are illustrated inthese figures as reading out embossed encoded information on the cardsrelating to two different numbers, as represented by the differentembossment patterns which are based on a predetermined binary code. Forexample, assume that the following four-bit numeric binary code is used:

l-OOOl 6-0110 2-0010 7-1100 3-0100 8-1010 4-1000 9-0101 5-0011 0-1001 Inthis case the illustrated FIG. 11 embossment pattern represents thenumeral 9 and the illustrated FIG. 12 embossment pattern represents thenumeral 0.

Referring now more specifically to FIG. 11, the illustrated push button34a is adapted to complete a series circuit when the memorized numeralrepresented by that push button complements the encoded numeral read outby the embossment detector pins (here identified as pins 14a, 14b, 14cand 14d). To do this each push button 34a has operatively associatedtherewith one or more contact plates 92 arranged in a pattern differingfrom that employed with respect to all the other push buttons. In FIG.11 three plates 92a, 92b and 92c are illustrated with pin 92c actuatingthe step switch as previously described. Assuming that the normally openlatches associated with the pin circuitry here identified as latchesR-1-1 through R-1-4 are closed by their associated relay coil (in thisinstance relay coil R-1) upon depression of push button 34a plates 92engage their respective contacts to complete a series circuit. In theFIG. 11 illustration, current will flow from the power input line 78through plate 920, contact R-l- 1, pin 14b, contact R-1-2, plate 92b,contact R-1-3, pin 14d and thence to the previously described validationrelay coil.

In FIG. 12, depression of the push button 34b would also complete aseries circuit. Here the current flow may be traced from the power inputline 78 through pin Me, contact R-2-1, plate 92d, plate 922, contactR-2-3, pin 14h and thence to the associated validation relay coil.

FIGS. 13, 141 and 15 illustrate circuitry employed in the on linereadout machine. Specifically, FIG. 13 relates to circuitry for readingout embossed encoded information from a card whereupon such informationis transmitted to a remote data processor (as shown in FIG. 3). Ananticounterfeit arrangement is employed in this circuitry to detect theexistence of a fraudulent card. Basically, the circuit of FIG. 13 isadapted to serially transmit to a remote data processor an indication ofthe position of each embossment detection pin in a group correspondingto each digit of an account number embossment coded in a card. It is, ofcourse, to be understood that a circuit similar to that shown in FIG. 13is in operative association with the remote data processing equipmentand said equipment employs conventional pulsing and sensing means (notshown) to determine which pin group is being analyzed and to switch tothe next pin group after said analysis is completed. The circuitincludes power input lines and 142 which lead to separate terminalsassociated with stepping relay coil 144. Stepping relay coil 144 servesupon closing of switch 164 to serially advance the sweep arms of stepswitches 146 and 147 so that they sweep in a clockwise manner,contacting each of four stationary contacts incorporated in saidswitches. Completion of a series circuit through said contacts and saidsweep arms will result in an electrical pulse being sent to remote dataprocessing facility thus indicating embossment detection pin position.

This may be best pointed out by illustration. Assume for example thatdetection pin 14] is the only pin of the group of four that isdepressed. The depressed position of this pin is detected when the stepswitch sweep arms simultaneously reach the second contact position intheir respective contact groupings, i.e., contacts 146a and 147a. Atthat point in time a series circuit will be completed (assuming a validcard) through the sweep arm of step switch 1416, contact 146a, line 150,pin 14j, line 152, contact 147a and the sweep arm of step switch 148. Itis to be assumed, of course, that the electrical series circuit iscompleted through computer tie lines 154 and 156 which are inelectrically operative association with the remote data processingfacility. Depression of one or more of the embossment detection pinswill, of course, be detected in a similar fashion through operativeengagement between the sweep arms of step switches 146 and 148 and theother contacts employed in the switches in an obvious manner.

It should be noted that a contact 158 is disposed in input line 140.Quite obviously this contact must be closed before a series circuit maybe completed since stepping relay coil 144 will not otherwise beenergized. Contact 158 is normally open and will be closed only uponreceipt of a pulsing signal from the remote data processing facility.This constitutes the manner in which the electrical circuits relating toseparate pin groupings are isolated by the computer. Upon completion ofa series circuit in the manner previously described, verificationindicator light 47 (FIG. 5) on the on line machine will be lit byreceiving an electrical signal from the remote data processor.

In the event that a counterfeit card is being utilized in the system novalidation signal can be received since a series circuit is notcompleted. This is due to the fact that current must flow through thestrip 64 of electrically conductive material employed on a valid card tocomplete a circuit. Correctly encoded embossments only on the card areinsufficient to complete the circuit. The strip 64 must also have thecorrect configuration to be placed into engagement with anticounterfeitcontacts 160 and 162 incorporated on the machine. In the event thereadout account number is established by the EDP center to belong to astolen or lost card reject indicator lamp 98 is lit. In like manner, thememory bank of the EDP center may establish a shaky credit rating forthe member, in which case credit limit light 49 will be lit.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a circuit incorporated in the on line machineis illustrated whereby merchant identification information istransmitted to the data processing facility. Since several merchantswill in all probability be utilizing the remote data processing facilityit is desirable to have some means to identify the site where thetransaction is to be carried out. This is done by providing eachmerchant with a shorting plug 166 which is adapted to be plugged bymeans of electrically conductive contact pins 167 into a circuit board168. Shorting plug is coded by means of electrical connectors such aswires 169 and 170 which are connected in a predetermined pattern betweenselected pins which is unique for each merchant site.

Pins 167 are in electrically conductive engagement with contacts 170 onthe circuit board. Wire leads are connected between the contacts to aplurality of contacts incorporated with a step switch 172. The stepswitch is actuated through a coil 173 to sweep the movable contact armof the step switch in a clockwise direction when the coil is energized.Energization of the coil is accomplished in a manner similar to thatpreviously discussed with respect to stepping relay coil 144 in thecircuit of FIG. 13 and will not be discussed further. The movable arm ofthe step switch cooperates with the contacts thereof to complete one ormore series circuits through computer tie lines 174 and 176 leading tothe remote data processing facility thus transmitting to said facilityinformation regarding merchant identification.

The final circuit employed in the on line machine is illustrated in FIG.wherein four keys ofa ten key cash keyboard assembly are illustrated.Each key of course represents a separate digit. The principles involvedin the operation of the keyboard assembly may be set forth ratherbriefly. Quite simply each key 43 thereof is associated with one or morecontact plates 180, the members and positions of which differ for eachkey. Plates 180 are adapted to contact one or more pairs of openterminals to set up one or more circuits which are closed when the sweeparms of step switches 182 and 184 hit one or 'more line step switchcontacts. The remote data processing facility is tied into the circuitsthrough computer tie lines 186 and 188. The step switches are actuatedupon energization of stepping relay coil 190 with such coil receivingsuccessive actuating pulses from the facility computer to repeat thesweeping action of the step switches, thus serially transmitting to thedata processing facility consecutive digits of the transaction amount.Since hardware for accomplishing this is well known in the prior art andsince the electronic data processing equipment per se forms no part ofthe present invention it will not be described further.

With reference to the disclosed system, it should be pointed out thatmodifications in the structure of the card and readout equipmentemployed therein may be modified as required. For example, the card maybe encoded using five-bit binary system for an alpha-numeric accountnumber. In addition, the V-shape of encoding strip 64 is shown forillustrative purposes only and such strip may be straight, for example,and be located in a position other than the left-hand side of the card.

I claim as my invention:

1. A machine for verifying a credit card encoded with embossments, saidmachine comprising:

a. a card receiving station adapted to receive a card in a predeterminedposition relative thereto;

b. a plurality of embossment sensing means adapted to sense theembossment condition of a card received in the card receiving station;

c. a first plurality of switch means associated, respectively,

with the respective embossment sensing means to indicate the embossmentcondition sensed by the sensing means; d. a second plurality of switchmeans, said switch means being selectively operable to complement therespective switch means in the first plurality of switch means tocomplete a plurality of circuits therewith upon connection thereto;

e. operating means to connect said first and second pluralities ofswitch means and sequentially access the circuits completed bydisposition of said first and second pluralities of switch means incomplementary condition;

f. relay means responsive to said operating means to complete amonitoring circuit upon the accessing of a complete series of completedcircuits by the operating means;

g. signal means to signal the completion of the monitoring circuits;and,

. detection means adapted to sense the presence of a detection area on apredetermined portion of a credit card received in the card receivingstation, said detection means functioning to interrupt the monitoringcircuit in the absence of the sensing of a detection area and beingselectively adjustable to sense the presence of a detection area atdifferent predetermined portions of a credit card received in the cardreceiving station.

A machine according to claim 1, wherein:

a. the detection area comprises an electrically conductive strip; and,

. the detection means comprises at least one pair of spaced contactsdisposed to normally interrupt the monitoring circuit, said contactsbeing contactable with the electrically conductive strip of a cardreceived in the card receiving station to complete the monitoringcircuit.

1. A machine for verifying a credit card encoded with embossments, saidmachine comprising: a. a card receiving station adapted to receive acard in a predetermined position relative thereto; b. a plurality ofembossment sensing means adapted to sense the embossment condition of acard received in the card receiving station; c. a first plurality ofswitch means associated, respectively, with the respective embossmentsensing means to indicate the embossment condition sensed by the sensingmeans; d. a second plurality of switch means, said switch means beingselectively operable to complement the respective switch means in thefirst plurality of switch means to complete a plurality of circuitstherewith upon connection thereto; e. operating means to connect saidfirst and second pluralities of switch means and sequentially access thecircuits completed by disposition of said first and second pluralitiesof switch means in complementary condition; f. relay means responsive tosaid operating means to complete a monitoring circuit upon the accessingof a complete series of completed circuits by the operating means; g.signal means to signal the completion of the monitoring circuits; and,h. detection means adapted to sense the presence of a detection area ona predetermined portion of a credit card received in the card receivingstation, said detection means functioning to interrupt the monitoringcircuit in the absence of the sensing of a detection area and beingselectively adjustable to sense the presence of a detection area atdifferent predetermined portions of a credit card received in the cardreceiving station.
 2. A machine according to claim 1, wherein: a. thedetection area comprises an electrically conductive strip; and, b. thedetection means comprises at least one pair of spaced contacts disposedto normally interrupt the monitoring circuit, said contacts beingcontactable with the electrically conductive strip of a card received inthe card receiving station to complete the monitoring circuit.